Electronic converter and printer



Aug. 24, 1965 G. J. Moss, JR

ELECTRONIC CONVERTER AND PRINTER 8 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July 30, 1963Aug. 24, 1965 G. J. MOSS, JR

ELECTRONIC CONVERTER AND PRINTER 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 30, 1963}FIG.Z.

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INVENTOR George J. Moss Jr.

FIG.9.

ATTORNEY Aug. 24, 1965 G. J. MOSS. JR

ELECTRONIC CONVERTER AND PRINTER 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 30, 1963[Sli O L 'L'Sld Ol INVENTOR George J. Moss Jr.

ATTORNEY Aug. 24, 1965 G. J. Moss, JR

ELECTRONIC CONVERTER AND PRINTER 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 30, 1963INVENTOR George J. Moss Jr.

ATTORNEY man vn@ N3 mm wm Aug. 24, 1965 G. J. Moss, JR

ELECTRONIC CONVERTER AND PRINTER Filed July 50, 1963 8 Sheets-Sheet 51NVENTOR George J. Moss Jr.

ATTORNEY Aug. 24, 1965 G. J. Moss, JR

ELECTRONIC CONVERTER AND PRINTER 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 30, 1965INVENTOR George J. Moss Jr.

ATTORNEY Aug. 24, 1965 G. J. MOSS. JR

ELECTRONIC CONVERTER AND PRINTER 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed July 30 'S'SldOJ.

l INVENTOR George J. Moss Jr.

ATTORNEY Y DD Edf Aug. 24, 1965 G. J. Moss. JR

ELECTRONIC CONVERTER AND PRINTER 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed July 50, 1963 OmmEDz mmbm INVENTOR George J. Moss Jr.

ATTORNEY United States Patent A(Y) sacarse ELECTRONIC CGNVERTER ANDPRINTER George J. Moss, Jr., Silver Spring, Md., assignor to the UnitedStates of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy Filed July30, 1963, Ser. No. 298,801 16 Claims. (Cl. 346-33) (Granted under Title35, U.S. Code (1952), sec. 266) The invention described herein may bemanufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States ofAmerica for governmental purposes without the payment of any royaltiesthereon or therefor.

The present invention relates to a printing recorder for printing inArabic numeral notation a time interval, and more particularly to anelectrical printing recorder having a serial counter, for countingelapsed time, and logical converter circuitry for transforming the countinto an Arabic numeral format for electrical printing by the recorder.

In the field of elapsed time recorders, it has been the general practiceot employ recorders having a counter, for counting elapsed time, and todirectly print the electrical condition of the counter on a chart in abinary coded format. In order to interpret the chart, the indications onthe chart had to be manually transformed into Arabic numeral notation,This was a time consuming vand laborious job and often resulted inerrors due to human failure, or failure in the printing.

The present invention provides a plurality of serially 'connectedcascaded bistable elements for counting pulses from an external source,which are representative of elapsed time. An external event causes theelapsed time to be permanently recorded in Arabic numeral notation on amoving chart. The external event initiates operation of the recordercontrol circuitry within the printer. to momentarily provide a buermemory for a portion of the counter storage elements. Additionally, aone-stage carry pulse buffer storage momentarily halts counting inanother portion of the counter. During the momentary engagement of thebuffer storage and carry pulse buier storage, the binary count in theother portion of the counter and the buffer memory is transformedthrough logical converting circuitry, into Arabic numeral notation. Therecording chart is brought up to lspeed and the transformed binarypulses from the counter electrically 'print' in Arabic numeral notationon the chart the contents of the storage counter. Further control logiccontinues -th'e chart movement until the printing process is completedand provides a space between the printed numerals. Upon completion ofthe printing cycle, the counter is restored to its condition before theprinting cycle and the contents of the single stage carry pulse bufferstorage is logically transferred to the other portion of the counter, inorder that the intervening `timing pulses are not lost during theprinting operation.

An object of the present invention is to count a serial pulse inputindicative of elapsed time and to logically transform this count toelectronically print out this count in Arabic numeral format.

Another object is to provide logical switching circuitry for convertingthe contents of an electronic counter, storting a num-ber in the binarynotation, and printing out the contents of the counter in Arabicnotation. A further object is. to provide a time zone and blocktransformation for sequentially enabling logical gating circuitry todivide the Arabic numeral notation into a predetermined and uniformformat.

Yet another object is to reduce the number of cornponents normallyrequired in a butler :storage system by providing a single stagetemporary carry pulse storage and attendant logic.

2 Another object is to provide transfer circuitry for connecting a timeindependent counting chain with a time dependent printing circuitry.

Another object is to provide inhibit circuitry for preventing changingthe Arabic numeral in storage during TC@ i the printout period.

A further object is to provide a detecting circuit for controlling theprintout sequence to prevent a hiatus in the printing of the numerals.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this inventionwill be readily appreciated as the :same becomes better understood byreference to the following detailed description when considered inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which like referencenumerals designate like parts throughout the gures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of the data flow and the controlsignals utilized to direct the flow of data from the input to theelectrical printer;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the Arabic numeral notation format utilizedby the printer;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the various time zones utilized in printingthe figures of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the various blocks utilized in constructingthe numerals of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates the manner in which FIGS. 6-10 are joined together;

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the counting chain including the bufferstorage and carry pulse buffer storage and attendant logic;

FIG. 7 illustrates the remaining portion of the storage count-er andpart of the logical gating circuitry;

FIG. 8 illustrates thel remaining portion of the logical gatingcircuitry for converting from the binary to the Arabic numeral notation;

FIG. 9 illustrates the energizationgates; v l Y FIG. l0 illustrates thesque'ncer timing control circuitry for the entire printer; and

FIG. l1 is a table showing in time relationship various conditionsoccurring in the control circuitry of FIG. 10.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown in block diagramform the major components of the system in which the heavy linesindicate data ilow and the light lines indicate control pulses. A seriesconnected, cascaded counting chain capable of counting up to twenty daysby seconds or minutes is shown formed of a seconds-units'scale of tenbinary counter 1S connected to a seconds-ten scale of six binary counter16. These two counters are capable of counting sixty seconds upon whichevent a pulse is provided for a minutes counter. The minutes counter isformed of a minutes-units scale of ten binary counter 17 connected to aminutes-tens scale of six binary counter 18 through a carry pulse bufferstorage and transfer circuit 19. In normal operation the minutes-unitscounter 17 is directly connected to the minutes-tens counter 18 to counta total elapsed time of sixty minutes. The purpose and function of thecarry pulse buffer logic circuit 19 will be described later. Theminutes-tens counter 18 output is connected to an input on anhours-units scale of ten binary counter 21 which is in turn connected inseries with an hours-tens binary counter 22, and together they form acounter in a scale of twenty-four. Upon the elapse of arperiod oftwenty-four hours as recorded by the counters, an output pulse isproduced to a days-units scale of ten counter 23 which is seriallyconnected to a daystens single strage binary counter 24. The days-unitsand days-tens counters are capable of counting to a total of nineteendays.

As shown in FIG. l a'double throw single pole switch 26, connectedbetween the seconds and the minutes counprintout recorder and the stylivunits counter 17, if there be one.

ters of the counting chain, selectively engages one ofthe 'the otherposition, a photocell input 28 would beengaged starting with the minutes'counter of the counting chain.

If the tape input 27 is engaged, a timing track recorded 'on themagnetic tape (not shown) is utilized to activate Y the counter. Thistiming track can be recorded on the tape by means of an accurate halfcycle per second square wave. In playing back this tape the half cycleper second square wave would be rectied in a full wave rectifier to vgenerate one pulse per second to activate the seconds :counter of thecounting chain. If the switch 26`were in the other position, that is thephotocell input position,

another method of generating timing pulses can be utilized. In thislattermethod the timing track is not recorded on the tape but a disc(not shown) is mounted on the supply reel shaftrof the playbacktransport. Translucent slots are made in the disc anda light beampassing through the disc to the photo conductive tube (not shown) isutilized to obtain the necessary timing pulses. The angular rotation ofthe `reel containing the tape is known so theslots can be placed at theequivalent one minute mark intervals to generate the necessary .tim-

-ing pulses. Although this latter method is less accurate chain. The useof the carry pulse butter circuit 19 eliminates the need for a separatebutter memory for each o the minutes tens, hours and days counters, thusresulting in a simplification of the necessary circuitry.

The need for a buffer memory or the stopping of the counter duringprintout isrequired since a single overflow pulse from the minutes unitscounter 17 can change one or all the counters, and thereby result in anerroneous .printout or a nonexistent time. As an example, assume thatthe counter registers nine days, twenty-three hours, and titty-nineminutes. On the next occurrence of a minute pulse, the counter wouldchange to ten days, zero hours and zero minutes thereby effecting aychange in each counter unit with the likelihood of garbling the numeralsbeing printed out. This could cause a nine to appear as an eight. Thetime required for the printout cycle is less than the time required tochange the minutes-units counter 17 ten times, thus the use of a singlestage carry buffer storage eliminates the need for a plurality ofduplicate buffer storage units for a large portion of the counterstages.

The days-units counter 23, the hours-tens Vcounter 22, the hours-unitscounter 21, the minutes-tens counter 1S and the buifer memory 33,containing the minutes-units than the former method of utilizing atiming track ref corded on tape, for many purposes it is sufficientlyaccurate, since the tape is being played back in the same f manner inwhich it was recorded.

In the present embodiment of the invention the tape v recorder (notshown) is a self-operating magnetic tape event recorder which is capableof continuously monitoring certain physical phenomena occurring over aperiod yof vtwenty days and recording this physical phenomena as eventson one reel of tape. The speed of the tape reel is regulated to produceone revolution per each ninety l minutes of elapsed time by means of anescapement mechanism and thus in playback it is vknown ,that eachcomlplete, rotation of the tape supply reel is equivalent to 'ninetyminutes of elapsed time. Y

The day, hour and minute of a particular external physical eventoccurrence is required to be printed. Upon the occurrence of thisphysical event a data anticipation signal 29 is supplied to a sequencercontrol circuit 31. The sequencer control circuit initiates acyclegenerating a predetermined sequence of control pulses, part of whichinclude a reset pulse on a reset line 32 to reset a buffer memory 33:.The buffer memory 33 has the same capacity as the minutes-units counter17 and the contents of the minutes-units counter 1.7 is transferred tothe bulfer memory 33 by means of a control pulse from the sequencer 31on a set line 34. This transfers the count of the minutes-units counterto the buffer memory counter and allows the minutes-units counter 17 tocontinue Vcounting the timing input impulses.V I At the same time thatthe set pulse is generated on the set line 34 a carry pulsebuier controlpulse ('G'o) is generatedV on @o line 3e. This @o pulse breaks thedirect connection between the minutes-units counter 17 and theminutes-tens counter 18 and places the carry pulse buffer logic circuit19 in a series connection with the minutesunits counter 17 andtheminutes-tens counter 18. This carry pulse buffer circuit 19 contains thelogic for'conlnesting and disconnecting itself and also contains asingle digit, all connect to a plurality of scanning input gates 37. Thescanning input gates 3'7 have live control signals 'L1-L5, originatingfrom sequencer control circuit 31. These control. signals, L1-L5 aresequentially, on a time basis, generated in the sequencer controlcircuit 31 to enable gating circuitry to transfer the binary informationstored on each respective counter to a block transformation circuit 33.

The block transformation circuit 38 channelizes the binary informationinto a'series of hlockpulses Bl-B-l. The block pulses, Bl-Bq, are anarbitrary division `of the Arabic numeral notationinto seven discreteblocks or segments as will be more fully explained in relation to FIG.4. f Y f Y The outputs B1-B7 from the block .transformation circuit Sitare fed as a set of inputs to Va time zone transa formation circuit 39.A second set of inputs to the time zone transformation circuit 39originates in the sequencer y controlcircuit 31 and as indicated as G1,1, G2, '52, G3 and 3. Within the time zone transformation circuit 39,these latter timing signals are combinedto generate a series of tivetime zones representative of various portions of the Arabic digit. Asinthe case of block transformation the time zones are arbitarily assignedzones of the Arabic digit to indicate discrete portions of the numeral.'This will be more fully explained in relation'- ship with FIG. 3. Thetime zone transformation circuit generates an output of one or moreprinting signals lll-P3, which are fed to a plurality of scanning outputgates 41. The timing signals L1-L5 are also fed in as inputs to thescanning output gates 41. These timing signals, L1'- L5, are the samesignals as fed to the scanning input gates 37. The timing signals L1-L5indicate from which counter the signals originate, i.e. minutestenscounter 1S or, hours-units counter Z1, etc. and channelize the pulses tothe proper combination of styli indicated by outputs Sil-S16. Y Thestyli outputs S1-S16 are inputs to a printer 42. The primary pulsesstored in each respective counter are thus channelizedV through thecircuitry and transformed to produce a pulse output upon the styli Sl-Slofthe printer whichcauses .a dot toV be burned in the moving chartpaper. Also a Pn `signal 43 is fed as an input to' the printer 42.l ThisPr,v signal originates in the sequencer control circuit 31 which timesthe printing on the moving:

chart paper of the printer. Another input to the printer' f eight.

GENERAL THEORY FIG. 2 illustrates the format utilized in printing theArabic numeral Ynotation of the digits -9 by the printer of the presentinvention. The digits are divided into a matrixconsisting of seven linesand four columns. By designating the proper line and the proper column adot can be printed in the proper place to form a portion of the numeraldesired to be printed. The entire set of numerals 'is arranged in ablock formation with the numeral 8 being `the most comprehensive, thatis, the numeral 8 utilizes lall of the dots utilized in the productionof tall of the other numerals. It should also be noted that any time adot appears in column 2 a similar dot appears on the same line in column3, thus one impulse can be utilized to energize the styli Ain bothcolumns 2 and `3. In the printing of the numerals as the chart movesalong, line 1 of a particular number is first printed with `all ofthedots appearing on that particular line in the various columns l-4 beingprinted simultaneously. 'In sequence lines 2-7 are then printed Yas thechart continues motion. Since lthe dots appearing fin FIG. 2 arerepresentative of the printer pulses and 'since columns 2 and 3 areidentical, we may designate column 1 the P1 print column, columns 2 and3 the P2 print column, and column 4 the P3 print column. By designatingthe proper line number'plus the proper combinations of P1, P2, and P3,the coordinates of the line and lcolumn can be determined. In order toprint any single Arabic digit the counter storing the binary informationwill be sampled at seven separate and distinct time intervals, one foreach line 1-7.

FIG. 3 denotes the arbitrary time zones dened in printing any Arabicnumeral notation. In FIG. 3 time zone l, designated -as Z1, shown by thedashedbl'ock form, includes all of the dots in the upper portion of thenumeral leight Written in the Arabic notation. lar mannertime zone Z2includes all of the dots in the lower portion of the numeral eight. Z3,indicated by the dashed lines, includes all of the dots in the upperhorizontal bar of the numeral eight, Z4 includes -all of the dots in thecenter horizontal line of the numeral eight, and Z5 includes all of thedots on the lower horizontal bar of the numeral eight. It will -be notedthat the zones are not separate and distinct, but that they areoverlapping and somewhat redundant.

' FIG. 4 illustrates the seven arbitrary blocks or segments of an Arabicdigit defined to construct the numerals in thek Arabic numeral notation.Block 1, designated as B1, includes the upper portion of the verticalcolumn of dots on the left-hand side of the numeral eight. Block 2,designated B2, in a similar manner includes the dots on the upperportion of the vertical column of the numeral eight on the right-handside. Likewise, block B3 includes the dots on the vertical column on thelower left-hand portion of the numeral eight; block B4 includes the dotsin the vertical column on the right-hand side in the lowery portion ofthe numeral eight. Block B5 includes all of the dots on the uppermosthorizontal bar of the numeral eight; block B6 includes all of the dotson the horizontal middle bar yof the numeral eight; and block B7includes all of the dots on the lower horizontal bar of the numeral Itwill be noted that the blocks B1-B7 are not separate and discrete, butare overlapping and somewhat coinclusive.

By utilizing the P1-P3, the Z1-Z5, and the B1-B7, terms defined in theforegoing paragraphs, the following equations' in Boolean algebra candefine any numeral in the In a simi- Arabic numeral notation byutilizing a time divided sant- `pling of the binary contents of theparticular storage counter.

As an example, take the numeral 5 which would combine the following timezones Z1-Z5 and blocks Bl-B, to produce the print signals P1P3 tosatisfy Equations l, 2 and 3.

y Table I SUFFICIENT CONDITIONS FOR PRINTING DOTS T0 FORM THE NUMERALFIVE P1 P3 P3 Line 1 f P2 ZBBS f P2 Line 2 ZiB1 Lille V3 ZrBr Line d..vPa d Z4Bo P2 Line 5..-., ZzB4 Line 6.-.. Z234 Line? Pz Z5B1 P2 Table Iillustrates the time zones Z1-Z5 and blocks B1-B7 which would besimultaneously energized in the one condition to produce a P1-P3 printpulse to form a dot at any particular position. In the actual printingline 1 is printed, then line A2, and continues through line 7. The blankspaces indicate the absence ofthe simultaneous one condition of theZ1-Z5 and B1-B7 pulses so that no P1-P3 signal is produced. It will benoted that the filled in portions of the Table form the numeral 5 asshown in FIG. 2.

In summary, each time a particular counter is sampled all of thepossible blocks of FIG. 4 capable of being utilized are formed, whilethe zones Z1-Z5 to FIG. 3 are dependent upon the particular line beingenergized. The combination of the two particularly define thecoordinates of the dots to be printed on the moving chart paper.

Detailed description FIG. 5 illustrates the manner of joining FIGS. 6-10in the proper fashion to obtain a continuous and integral circuit in adetailed block diagram form of the present' printer'. In the referencenumerals used in FIGS. 6-10, the lrs't digit or digits will indicatewhich figure of the drawing wherein the element appears.

v Numerous Hip-ops are shown in block diagram form' in FIGS. 6-10. Theflip-Hops utilized throughout the circuitry are of the well knowntransistorized type. When the ilip-op is in the one state, the oneoutput is at a potential of -20 volts, hereinafter 4referred to as anegative potential, and the zero output is at ground potential,hereinafter referred to as a positive potential. When the flip-flop isin the zero state, the zerooutput is at a potential of -20 volts, andthe one output is at ground potential.' Each of the flip-ops contain anS+ input through which a positive pulse will set the nip-flop in the onecondition; an R-linput through 'which a positive input pulse Will resetthe nip-nop in the zero state; and a C input, which is known as acomplement input, in which a positive pulse or step will change thestate of conduction from a one to zero or a zero to one, as the Vcasemay be. In addition to the positive pulse inputs just named, eachflip-flop contains: an R- input in which a negative input pulse willreset the nip-nop in the zero state; an S- input in which a negative setpulse will set the ip-op in the one state; and an MR- input terminal inwhich a common negative pulse is utilized to reset a series of nip-flopsin the zero state. The negative input terminals each contain anisolating diodein order to prevent the trailing edge of the input pulsefrom resetting the flip-nop once it has been set in the desiredcondition.

The various AND gates lappearing throughout the cir-y cuitry areconstructed of diodes arranged so that a negavarious OR gates appearingthroughout the circuitry are one of two types identical in constructionto the AND gates, but biased in such a manner so that either a negativeinput to at least one of the terminals will produce a negative output,or a positive input to at least one of the diodes will produce apositive output, as the case may be.

CoUNTERs Referring to FIG. 6 the seconds-units counter 15, a scale voften counter, is shown vhaving the tape input 2.7 for delivering positiveinput pulses to Hip-flop 606. The seconds-units counter is constructedof four p-ops cascaded in series and modified to be a scale of tencounter. Flip-Hops 606-609 arer additionally identified as Sui, Sz,8,14, andfSus stagesr respectively. The S designates secondsl counter,the subscript u designates units and the subscript numeral designatesthe binary stage of the counter.Y The one output of iiip-flop 606 isconnected to the R+ input of hip-flop 609 and has a capacitator 611connected in the circuit to differentiate the positive output step ofiiip-op 606, as the state of flip-flop 606 changes from the one to thezero condition, to reset flip-flop 609. The zero output of llip-tlop 609is connected through a capacitor 612 to the R- input of flip-op 607. Thechange of condition of flip-flop 609 from the one to the zero state willproduce a negative step at the zero output. This step will bedifferentiated by the capacitor 612 and applied to the R- input offlipilop 607 to reset the latter iiip-ilop in the zero state. Ad-

ditionally, the one output of each of the flip-flops 606-609 isconnected tothe complement input of the succeeding :tlip-lop in theseries cascaded chain. The positive step produced upon the change ofcondition from the one to zerokstate changes the condition of thesucceeding flipiiop from the one to zero state or the zero to one state,as the case may be.

Table Il OPERATION OF SECOND-UNITS COUNTER Final State of Flip-FlopsNumber of Pulses Received OOHHHCDOOOOOO OOGOOP-l--HOOOO Prior to thebeginning of all counting, all stages in the counting chain are set inthe zero state by a negative reset pulse through circuitry not shown andgenerally Well known in the art.

From Table 1I it will be noted that the seconds-units counter 15operates in the normal Ymanner in counting from zero to nine. A positivepulses is produced each time iip-ilop 606 changes from the one to thezero state anda positive reset pulse is applied toiiip-ip 609. This.does not alter the condition of the ip-tiop 609, since it e put Whichis differentiated bylcapacitor 612 and resets flip-flop 607 as shown'inTable Il. This resetting of iiip-ilop 607 returns it to the zero state,so that all the liip-ops in this counter are now in the zero state. fThus the pulse, arriving with the counting kchain storing the count ofnine, first changes flip-flop 606 from the one to the zero state whichproduces a positive pulse to change flip-op 607 from the zero to the onestate and at the same time applies a positive reset pulse to iiip-iiop609 to change the state of this p-op from the one to the zero state. Thechanging ofthe flip-flop 609 from the one to the zero state produces anegative step output which is ted back to ip-op 607 to return theflip-flop 607 fro-rn the one to the zero state. This sequence of eventsis shown in Table I following the 10th pulse, and the final condition isidenticalto the 0 state.

The seconds-tens counter 616, enclosed within the dashed lines, is ascale of six counter having three ilipflops 616, 617 and 618,respectively, cascaded in series. The ip-ilops 616-616 are designatedSn, Stg, and Sm in accordance with the notation described hereinbefore.

Flip-nop 616 changes it state of conduction each time a positive step isreceived by its complement input from flip-flop re609 of theseconds-units counter 15. At the same time that flip-flop 609 is resetby the positive input pulse from flip-liep 606, a positive step isproduced on the one output. The seconds-tens counter, being a scale ofsix counter, operates as a normal cascaded counterfor the numerals 1through 5. The transistion from 5 to 0 utilizes the principle explainedin connection with the seconds-units counter 15. For the fth count,iiip-ilop 616 is in the oneV state, iiip-op 617 is in the zero state,and dip-flop 618 is in the one state. Upon receipt of the next inputpulse, ilip-iiop` 616 is changed to the zero state of conduction, iip-op617 is changed from the zero to the one state. At the same time apositive step is applied through capacitor 619 to reset flip-flop 618from'A the one state to the zero state, thereby .producing a positivestep at the one output and a negative step at the zero output. Thenegative step at the zero output is diilerentiated through capacitor 621and resets ipop 617 from the one state back to the zero state so thatthe resulting states of flip-flops 616-618 are Zero and an output stepis produced for the next succeeding `counter stage.v v p The position ofswitch 26determines Whether the output from rthe seconds-tens counter 16is applied to the minutes-units counter 17 or whether the photo cellYinput 23 is applied through switch 26 to the input of the minutes-unitscounter. The minutes-,units counter 17 is a scale often counter havingiiip-flops626-629 and capacitors 631 and 632 to differentiate the pulsesto produce f only a sharp pulse for triggering the reset. The operation[and construction of the minutes-units counter 17 is identical to theoperation ofthe seconds-units counter described hereinbefore. y

The buffer memory 33, enclosed VWithin the dashed lines, includes fourflip-Hops, 636-639. Atkthe proper time la negative pulse is generated bythe sequencer, FIG. l0, to simultaneously reset flip-ops 636-639 to thezero state. After the flip-Hops have been reset a negative set pulsegenerated by sequencer, FIG. 10, is applied simultaneously to oneterminal of gates 641-644. At that time flip-flops V626-629nondestructively transfer their informationin parallel fashion to ip-ops636-639, respectively. The ip-fiops in the one condition produce anegative output and this, combined with the negative set pulse, producesa negative input pulse to the S-terminals of thetlip-ilopsV 636-639,thereby transferring the contents of the flip-flops 626-629, to theflip-flops 636-639. The Hip-flops 636-639 produce a negative outputWhenever they are in the one state and they remain in that state 4651for normally connecting the output of the minutesunits counter 17 to theminutes-tens counter, FIG. 7, through ampliiier 653. When the printer isin the output mode, that is, printing an Arabic numeral, the minutestenscounter and succeeding stages are disconnected from the minutes-unitscounter and flip-flop 652 is utilized to temporarily store the outputfrom the minutes-units counter 17 until the cessation of the printingprocess. Upon completion of the printing process, flip-flop 652transfers the overflow pulse, if it has received one, to theminutes-tens counter, FIG. 7, through the amplifier 653.

In the condition when the printer is not printing out, the minutes-unitscounter 17 is connected to the minutestens Icounter 18. A positive @ostep is produced by the sequencer, FIG. 10, and prevents conduction ofdiode 654. Diode 656 is in the conducting state since the input of theSchmitt trigger 651 is positive. This condition makes the anode of diode656 more positive than the cathode, which is connected to a source ofnegative potential. The capacitor 657 isolates the minutes-units counterfrom the carry pulse buffer transfer and storage circuit 19. Theminutes-units counter flip-flop v629 is in the one state producing anegative output until the count of ten at which time the changing offlip-hop 629 from the one to zero state produces a positive step whichis differentiated by capacitor 657. The resulting pulse is momentarilypassed by diode 656 to the input of Schmitt trigger 651. Schmitt trigger651 is normally in the one state producing a negative output, however,lupon the input of a positive pulse, the trigger momentarily changesfrom the one to the zero state to produce a positive output pulse whichis passed by diode 65S and is amplified by saturated amplifier 653 andapplied to the first stage of the minutes-tens counter 18. The Vtrigger651 changes states only momentarily, and then returns to the stablestate, ready to accept the next positive pulse from the minutes-unitscounter.

Under these conditions diode 659 is conducting due to the positive biason the anode and the negative bias on the cathode. Also under theseconditions, diode 661 is clamped in a nonconducting state due to theconduction of diode 659, since its cathode is more positive than itsanode. The ratio of resistors 662 and 663 is such that under theseconditions PNP transistor 664 is conducting in the saturated condition.The positive condition of @o prevents the conduction of PNP .transistor666 due to the positive bias on its base.

Thus, the clamping of diode 661`prevents any input pulses from theminutes-units counter 17 to enter thisV section ofthe circuitry, whilelthe conduction of diode 656 allows the pulses from minutes-unitscounter y17 to momentarilychange the state of conduction of Schmitttrigger 651 to pass the pulses t'o the minutes-tens counter.

When the printer is in a print-out operation, a negative 'G0 is producedby the sequencer, FIG. 10, diode V654 is in the conducting state andclamps diode 656 in a nonconducting state. `The ratio of resistor 667 to668 is such that the negative @o maintains PNP transistork 666 in theconductive state, putting the cathode of diode 659 at a positivepotential. Under these conditions diode `661 is conducting so that theanode of diode 659 is more negative than the cathode of diode 659,preventing conduction of this diode. The ratio of resistor 662 and 663is such that PNP transistor 664 is still conducting at the saturationlevel.

Under these conditions, a change in the flip-flop 629v from the one tozero state produces a positive pulse which will not pass through diode656 due to the clamping action o'f diode 654, but will pass throughdiode 661. The passing of the pulse momentarily through diode 661changes the state of conduction of PNP transistor 664 from theconducting to the nonconducting state This change of state in thetransistor causes a negative pulse to appear on the collector of the PNPtransistor 664. This negative pulse is passed by capacitor 669 and isapplied to thev 10 yS-input of flip-flop 652 to set this flip-flop inthe one state. After the momentary change of the state of PNP transistor664, the transistor returns to its original state of conduction and isready for the next pulse.

The print-out operation, however, is of such duration that the cycle ofprint-out will be completed before another pulse appears, that is, thetime required for printout is less ythan the time required for theminutes-units counter to change states ten times, as would be requiredfor another output pulse.

At the cessation of the print-out operation @o returns to a positivecondition, changing the state of PNP transistor 666 from the conductingto the nonconducting state. This change of state of conduction causes anegative step to appear at the collector of this transistor. Thisnegative step is differentiated by capacitor 671 and applied to thenegative reset input of flip-dop 652. If a carry pulse has been storedin the 'fiip-iiop 652, the resetting of flip-flop 652 produces apositive output signal which passes through capacitor 672 and diode 673to be amplied by saturated amplifier 653, and applied to theminutes-tens counter.

When flip-flop 652 is in a zero state, the one output is positive, butdiode 673 is not conducting due to the presence of capacitor 672. Whenthe flip-flop changes from zero to one state, a negative step appears atthe one output terminal of fiip-liop '652 which passes through capacitor672 and causes conduction of diode 674 to rapidly discharge capacitor672.

The changing of @o from the negative to the positive state passes anoise pulse through the internal shunt capacitance of diode 654.However, the amplitude of this noise pulse is less than the amplitude ofa signal pulse. The Schmitt trigger 651 rejects this pulse and does notchange the state of conduction and no output pulse is produced vat thistransition.

Thus, when the printer is in a print-out sequence, the

circuitry connected with flip-Hop 652 acts in two stages; the firststage being to set the fiip-iiop in one condition, and the second stagebeing to reset the flip-Hop at the end of the print-out period toproduce an output pulse which is transmitted to the minutes-tenscounter. Coincidentally with the transmitting of the stored pulse, ifthere be a stored pulse, the carry pulse buffer circuit 19 is put in theone state in which the minutes-units counter 17 is directly connectedthrough Schmitt trigger 651 to the minutes-tens counter. Refering now toFIG. 7, the minutes-tens counter 18 receives positive input steps fromthe minutes-units counter 17 through 'the carry pulse circuit 19. Theminutes-tens counter is 'a scale of six counter comprising threeflip-flops 706-708 and is identical in construction and operation withthe seconds-tens counter 16, described hereinbefore.

The hours-units counter 21 is a scale of 10 counter having flip-flops716-719 together with capacitor 711 and 712 to. form a scale of tencounter. The hours-tens counter 22 is a two-stage counter havingflipfiops 726 and 727 which cooperate with the hours-units counter 21 toproduce a scale of 24 counter.

Table III SCALE 0F TWENTY FOUR COUNTER OPERATION Number of Final Stateof Flip-Flop Pulses Received v F/F 727 FIF 726 F/F 719 F/F V718 F/F 717F/F 716 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 l 1 l 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 l 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Table III illustrates the contents of the various ipstate the resetpulse produces no result.

is equal to 0. The hours-units counter acts as an ordinary scale ofcounter, as described hereinbefore, and the hours-tens counter acts asan ordinary binary counter, until the numeral 23 is stored and the nextdigit arrives. In accordance with the principles already enunciated,with the numeral 23 stored, the next positive pulse into flip-flop 716changes this from the one to zero state and causes an output tochangeip-flop 717 from the one to zero state. Since flip-flop 719 isalready in the zero The changing of the flip-flop 717 from the one tozero state produces an output which changes flip-flop 718 from Zero tothe one state and at the same time provides a reset pulse to iiipllop727 to reset this flip-flop. This produces a positive output on the oneterminal, and a negative output on the zero terminal which is fed backto reset ilip-fiop 718 from the one to the zero state. Thus, thehours-units and hours-tens counter is reset to the zero condition, and acarry pulse is provided for the days-units counter.

The days-units counter 23 is a scale of ten counter, having flip-flops736-739 connected in a series cascaded relationship. The operation ofthis counter is identical both in operation and construction to theseconds-units counter ;k The output of the days-units counter 23 is aninput for the days-tens counter, a single stage counter. This counterconsists of a flip-flop 746 and produces a negative output in the onestate anda positive output in the zero state.

SCANNING INPUT GATE The scanning input gate 37 has a plurality of ANDgates 751-767, with each AND gate having one input connected to adifferent stage of the counting chain, start-v ing with the buffermemory 33, proceeding through the minutes-tens counter 1S, thehours-units counter 21, the hours-tens counter 22, and finally thedays-units counter 23. All of the stages of the counter produceanegative 2 output when in the one state,;and a positive output when inthe zero state.

A series of time spaced negative control pulses L1-L5, are produced bythe sequencer 31. FIGS. l and l0, to sequentiallysample the contents ofthe various counters in a cyclic manner. L1, being the rst in time,samples the buffer memory 33 through AND gates 751-754 for theminutes-units digit. Next in time sequence, L2 simultaneously enablesAND gates 755-757 to sample the minutes-tens counter 18. In like manner,L2 enables AND-gatev 758-761 to` sample the hours-units counter, L4enables -AND gates 762-763 to sample the hours-tens counter, andfinally, L5 enables AND gates 764-767 to sample the days-units counter.As will be pointed out later, the sampling of 'each counter occurs sevendifferent Schmitt triggers 776-779. OR gate 771 is connected to Schmitttrigger 776 and 'a negative output from 771 indicative ,of a one storedin the first stage of the particularcounter being sampled will produce anegative potential output on the one terminal of the Schmitt trigger 776and a-positive potential ony the zero output of the Schmitt trigger 776.If OR gatey 771 producesA a positive output indicative -of a zero storedin the rst stage of the counter being'sampled, then the positive inputto the trigger 776 would produce a positive potential out at the oneoutput of the trigger and a negative` loutput potential at the zerooutput of Schmitt trigger 776. Thus, vthe Schmitt trigger is utilized togive a positive indication of the stateor condition ofthek storage stagepresently being sampled. In a similar manner OR gate 772 is connected toSchmitt trigger 777, OR -gate 773 .is connected to Schmitt trigger 778,and OR gate 774 isconnected to Schmitt trigger 779. Thus,'the fourSchmitt triggers 776-779, produce eight outputs indicated C1, C1, C2,O2, C4, C4, C2 and C8 to give a positive indication of the condition ofthe counter being sampled.

BLOCK TRANSFORMATION CIRCUIT Referring to FIG. 8, the blocktransformation circuit 38 performs the function of determining which ofthe blocks of FIG. 4 must be used to represent the binary count storedin any particular counter by one of the Arabic numerals defined in FIG.2. The inputs C1, 1, C2, O2, C4, C4, C8 and are the inputs to the blocktransformation circuit indicative of the binary count in the counter.The outputs of the block transformation counter are the outputs Bil-B7which are indicative of the seven blocks defined in FIG. 4. The variousconditions of Bl-Bq can be defined by the following equations in termsof the condition of the binary counter.

, OR gate 806 performs the function of Cg-i-Cr-I-Cfl-Cl l in Equation 9,OR gate S07 performs the function of 'r-l-l-Cl' in Equations 5 and 8. ORgate 398 performs the function of C8+C4+C2+1 in Equations 4, 6, 8, 9 and10. OR gate 809 performs the function of C4|`2IC1 in Equations 4 and 7.OR gate 81) performs the function of @45o-2+@ in Equations 9 and 10. ORgate 811 performs the functions'of `4lC2i1 in Equations 5 and 6. OR gate812 performs the functions of 4-i-C2-i-C1 in Equations 6, 8 and 10. ORgate.

813 performs the functions of 8+1- in Equations 6 and 10. OR gate 814performs the functions of Tipi-1 in Equations 4 and 6.

AND gate 816 combines the negative potential outputs yof OR gates 808,810, 812 and 813 and passes a negative pulse indicative of B7, whenevereach and every one ofV these OR gates produces ak negative outputpulse.l In a similar manner AND gate 817 combines the outputs of ORgates 806, 808 and'lltl to produce B6. AND gate S13 combines the outputsof OR gates 807, 808 and 812 to produce B5. B4 does not utilize an ANDgate since it is the same as the output from OR gate 869i. AND gate 819combines the outputs of OR gates 808, 811, 812, 813 and S14 to produceB3. AND gate 820 combines the outputs ofk OR gates 807 and 811 toproduce B2. AND gate 821 combines the outputs of OR gates S, 869 and 814to produce B1.k

Thus, block transformation circuit 38 utilizes the condition of thebinary counter to convert the binary notation to the Arabicv numeralnotation as defined in FIG. 4. v

, As an example of how the block transformation cir-V cuit converts thebinary notation into the Arabic numeral notation the numeral 3 will betraced through the block transformation circuit. For the binary numeral3 (0011 for C8, C4, C2,-C1 in binary notation) the C1, C2, C4

and a Will be negative potentials and 1, C2, C4 and C3-v will bepositive potentials. If any one input to an OR gate be negative then theOR gate will pass the negat-ive potential. It will be observed that ORgates 806-813 all pass a negative potential while OR gate 814, sinceboth inputs are positive, will have a corresponding positive output. ORgate 814 is the only gate not putting out a negative potential. The ANDgates to which OR gate 814 is connected will be the only AND gates notpassing a negative pulse. From the circuitry AND gates 819 and 821 willbe the only AND gates not producing an output pulse While AND gates816-818, 820 and B1 will be producing a negative output. This means thatblocks B2, B4-B7 will pass a negative potential while blocks .B1 and B3will be blocked, that is, a positive potential output will be producedinstead of a negative output. From looking at FIG. 4 and FIG. 2, it willbe noted that B1 and B3 are the only blocks of FIG. 4 which are-notutilized in printing the numeral 3 of FIG. 2.

TIME ZONE TRANSFORMATION CIRCUIT Referring to FIG. 8, the time zonetransformation circuit 39 is shown enclosed by the dashed lines. Theinputs to this circuit G1, G1, G2, G2, G3 and '11 are generated from acounter in the sequencer circuit 31 of FIG. 10. These input circuitswill be utilized to define the various time zones shown in FIG. 3 andWill be combined with the block outputs B1-B7 of the block trans-Aformation circuit to determine whether or not a dot will be printed in agiven column of the Arabic numeral at any particular time.

Table IV RELATIONSHIP F LINE NUMBERS To TIME ZONE NUMBERS Table IVillustrates the relationship of the line numbers of FIG. 2 to the zonenumbers of FIG. 3 based upon the binary counter in the sequencer 31,FIG. 10, which generates the outputs G1, G1 G3. The potential generatedby the binary counter is as follows: if G1 be a one then G1 would be anegative potential and G1 would be a positive potential, if G1 be a zeroG1 would be a positive potential and 'G1 be a negative potential. FromTable IV the various zones, 21-25, can be defined in Boolean algebra interms of G1, G1 G3 by the following equations:

AND gates 822-824 and OR gate 826 combine lthe G1, G1 G3 inputs into thevarious zones Z1-25 illustrated in Table IV and defined by Equationsll-l5. AND gate 822 combines G1, G2, and G3 to produce Z5. AND gate 823combines G1, G2, and 'G3 to produce Z4; AND gate 824 combines G1,'C1-mand G3 to produce Z3. OR gate 826 combines Z4, which is G1G2'G3with G1 to produce Z1, and no, gating circuitry is used to produce Z2which is G1.

AND gates 831-837 combine the various time zones Z1-Z5 with the variousblocks B1-B7 to uniquely define the particular block and zone to beprinted by the printer at that time. By combining the `zones of FIG. 3and the blocks .of FIG. 4 AND gate 831, having inputs B1 and Z2, definesthe lower right-hand vertical line of the numeral 8.` AND gate 832combines B2 and Z1 to define the upper right-hand portion of thevertical line of the numeral 8. In a similar manner, AND gate 833combines B3 and Z2 to define the lower left-hand vertical line of thenumeral 8, and AND gate 834 combines B1 and Z1 to define the upperportion ofthe left-hand vertical line of the numeral 8. Likewise, ANDgate 835 having inputs Z7 and Z5 defines the lower horizontal bar of thenumeral 8, AND gate 836 having inputs B3 and 2.1 defines the centerhorizontal bar of the numeral 8, and AND gate 837 having inputs B5 andZ3 defines the upper horizontal bar of the numeral eight. At this pointin the circuitry the numeral to be printed, utilizing the voltage of thebinary counter, is uniquely defined in time zone and block sequence.

OR gates 827-829 combine the time zone and block transformations of ANDgates 831-837 to energize the proper styli required to print the figuresshown in FIG. 2 in accordance with the arbitrary time and block zones ofFIGS. 3 and 4, respectively. The pulses applied to the styli, P1-P3,have been defined in terms of the block and zone numbers in Equations 1,2, and 3 stated hereinbefore.

OR gate 828 produces a negative output any time a negative output isproduced from AND gates 835-837 to cover the areas B725, B624, and B523.OR gate 827 is connected to AND gates 831 and 832 to produce an outputin the zones B122 and B221 and additionally, produces an output any timethe P2 print signal is produced in response to an output from OR gate828. Or gate 829 is connected to AND gates 833 and 834 to produce anoutput indicative of zones B322 and B121 and additionally, produces anoutput any time the print signal P2 is generated. Inhibited amplifiers841-843 amplify the output of OR circuits 827-829, respectively,whenever a positive Pn print signal is not present on the inhibitterminals of the amplifiers. Stated in another way, Whenever the Pnprint signal is negative the amplifiers 841-843 pass and amplify anysignal output from the OR gates 827-829. The inhibited amplifiers841-843, therefore, act as a combination AND gate and amplifier. The Pnprint signal is utilized to accurately time the printing of the figureson a moving chart as well as to prevent erratic noise signals fromproducing unwanted markings on the chart. The Pn print signal isgenerated by the sequencer 31, FIG. l0.

Continuing the example of the conversion of the numeral 3 from the blocktransformation, circuit B2 and B4-B7 are energized with a negativepotential while B1 and B3 are not energized and are at a positivepotential. Thus, AND gates 833 and 834 will never transmit a negativeoutput pulse since one of the inputs, B3 and B1 respectively, is alwayspositive. 835-837 will pass a negative output pulse when the properZ1-Z5 signal is applied. This inhibition of AND gates 833 and 834eliminates B322 and B121, which are the only combinations not used toprint the numeral 3 from FIG. 2. Thus at the proper times the Z signalswill cause the printing of the appropriate dots whenever the necessarycombinations of B and Z signals exist.

SCANNING OUTPUT GATES AND PRINTER Referring to FIG. 9, the scanningoutput gates 41, enclosed in the dashed lines, has inputs P1-P3 toenergize the printer styli at the proper time as determined by the inputL1L5 generated in the sequencer unit, FIG. 10. The AND gates 906-921 aresequentially activated in accordance with the particular counter beingread out as described in the description of FIG. 7. The L1 signalactivates AND gates 919-921, if the proper print signals, P1-P3, arealso present, to print in Arabic numeral notation the minutes-unitsdigit which is stored in buffer memory 33. .In a similar manner ANDgates 916-918 are associated with the minutes-tens counter in Arabicnotation the binary numeral presently being stored in that counter.Likewise AND gates 913-915 are activated by the negative L3 signal toprint-out the con- AND gates 831, 832 andi 18 to print l I tents of thehours-units counter 2l. The L4 negative signal activates AND gates910-912 to print the contents ot' the hours-tens counter 22, and alsoenergizes AND gate 906 to print the contents from the days-tens counter24 at the time that the print signal Pn simultaneously produces anegative potential to activate the AND gate 906. AND gates 907-909 areactivated by the L5 input in accordance with the numerals stored in thedays-units counter 23 to cause the printing out of the contents ofthatcounter.

A chart paper 922m printer 42 is of the type in which an electricalpulse causes a burning of the paper as the paper passes over aconductive plate positioned beneath the paper. The numerals alreadyprinted, generally indicated at 925, represent a portion ofthe storagecounter contents printed out in the Arabic numeral l notation. Thatwhich is shown would read 19 days, 23 hours. 0n the other portion of thepaper (not shown) the minutes would be printed in a similar manner. Thespace 924 is provided by the sequencer unit, FlG. l0, for ease inreading the numerals. The styli 927 are presently printing the numeralsshown at 926 on the` chart paper 922 as the ychart paper is moving. Thecenter two dots of each numeral are printed by one printing pulse, P2,while the Y outer columns are controlled by the printing pulses P1 andP3.

A motor 92S drives the chart paper 922 in the direction indicated by thearrow in accordance with the negative Cm pulse received from thesequencer, FIG. l0, which activates a solenoid to close a switch 929thereby applying a suitable power source to the motor. The Cm signalfrom sequencer unit begins prior to the printing operation and a shorttime elapses to allow the motor to gain suicient speed 'at which timethe printing commences. The Cm pulse keepsthe switch 929 closed untilthe printing of the numeral is complete, thus eliminating ambiguitiesand Vdivided numerals in the printing. The minutes-units andVminutes-tens styli, although not shown, print in identical manner asthe hours-units, hours-tens7 days-units and the days-tens styli. Abouttwenty sets of numerals per second are capable of being printedutilizing the circuitry of this embodiment. y

As shown by numerals being printed 926, irst line l, as shown in FIG. 2,is printed followed by lines 2, 3 and soon through 7. The numerals arenot printed simultaneously, but iirst the contents of the minutes-unitscounter, then the minutes-tens counter, followed by the hours-unitscounter and sequentially through the other counters With the exceptionof the days-tens counter. Thus, in printingany one complete numeral thestorage counter of that numeral is sampled seven different times.-

The direct connections from the binary counter to the printing stylithrough the conversion circuitry utilizes the potentials stored in thecounter or memory circuit toy ydirectly print the Arabic numerals byelectrical pulses. yReferring now to FlG. l0, the sequencer 31, shown inthe dashed lines, controls the operation of the printer inv transferringthe information from the various counters to the printer where itisprinted on the moving chart paper. The sequencer unit 3i generates theL1-L5 outputs which sample a particular storage counter and activate aparticular printing channel on the chart paper. The sequencer alsogenerates the Pn print signal for gating the pulses from' the counter tothe printing Styli as well as generating the Cm chart (movement signalwhich controls the movement of the chart paper. In addition totheseoutput signals, the timing signals G1, 1 3 generated by the sequencerdetermine which line of the seven lines utilized in the printing thenumeral is presently activated. The sequencer unit has two inputs from 1external equipment which is not shown; the one is a'tape transport inputwhich is a negative signal received when the magnetic tape transport isin motion, and the second isV the data anticipation signal which is anegative signal representative of the fact that a particular event is`or has happened ,as determined on the magnetic tape channels.

The sequencer has an oscillator i006 for generating the timing signalswhich control the operation of the entire printer. The output of theoscillator is connected to a tiip-iiop 1007 which converts the output ofthe oscillator into M and V signals which are of opposite polarity andcyclically switch from one polarity to the other. A negative potentialis indicative of the one condition and a positive potential isindicative of kzero condition. The flip-nop 1007 constantly generatesthe M kand li' signals whether they are being utilized or not.

Assume the following conditions: that the sequencer is at the restposition, that is in a position to initiate the generation of thesequence control signals; that the tape transport is in motion andproducing a negative signal which so indicates; and that a dataanticipation signal is produced by the magnetic tape reproducer. TheVdata anticipation signal, a negative signal, will be diiierentiated bythe differentiator 1008 to produce a negative output which will passthrough the 0R circuit 1009 and will arrive at one of the inputs of ANDgate i011. The other input of the AND gate 101i also has a negativesignal at its terminal for reasons which will be described later.V

A negative output signal from AND gate 1011 Will trigger a monostablemultivibrator i012, and after a short delay the monostable multivibrator1012 returns to the stable state and produces a negative output signaldesignated DLO, which is one input to the ANDfgate 1013.

The negative tape transport signal and the negative data anticipationsignal pass through the AND gate 1014 to present a negative signal to ORgate 1016 which passes through this gate to the AND gate 10TH as asecond input signal. The ilip-flop i007 connected to the oscillator 1006is constantly producing the M signal output and in the one state anegative potential is produced which is applied as the third input tothe AND gate 1013. It will be remembered that the iiip-lop in the onestate is at a negative potential output and when it changes to the zerostate a positive potential output is produced. Upon this' occurrence theAND gate 1013 output changes from a negative to a positive signal whichis designated X2.

The X2 input is applied to the first stage ofV a seriallyconnected,cascaded counting chain consisting ot five tlipilops'll0l7-k-l02l. TheX2 signal is applied'to the com` plement input of the flip-flop l0l7,known as therF2 stage, to cause a change in the state of conduction eachtime a positive step is applied. `This flip-nop produces a one and azero output, the one output beingconnected to the complement of the nextsucceeding stage in the counting chain, flip-Hop 10i8, known as the F1stage. Each time the prior stage, hip-flop i017, changes from the one tozero state, a'positive step is at the output to change the state ofconduction of the flip-flop 1030. ln a similar manner nip-hops w19-1021known as the G3, G2 and G1 stages, respectively, each has its`complement input connected tothe one output of the preceding stage andis identicalv in operation and construction as rst two stages ip-ops10ll7 and 1018. The vM signals produced by the flip-flop 1007 continueto pass through the vAND gate 10113 to effect the counting in thiscounting chain.V Flipops l09-102l, G3, G2 and G1 stages, generate theG1, 'G1 E3 signals which control the time zone transformation circuitryof FIG. S. The output from the one terminal is known as the G1, G2 or G3output, and theL outputifrom the zero terminal is known as the @1, 'G2or 3 output.

The first two stages of this counter, flip-hops 1017 and 1018 known asthe F2 and F1 stages, respectively, utilize the one andzero outputs tocombine with the M and lV- signalsfof the oscillator to Vproduce theL1-L5 negative potential signals which control the sampling of theparticular counter and the printing of a particular channel on the chartpaper. AND gate 1022 produces the L1 output upon the coincidence of theand the F1 signal, which is the zero outputl from flip-flop 1018. The L2signal is produced by AND gate 1023 upon the coincidence of the M and*F1 signals, and L3 is a combination, within the AND gate 1024, of the Vand F2 signals. AND gate 1025 produces the vL4 signal upon thecoincidence of M and F2, while L5 is the combination in the AND gate1026 of the signals F1, F2 and M, where the F1 and F2 outputs are theone outputs from the flip-flops 1018 and 1017, respectively.

The zero outputs of fiipflops 1019-1021 are combined in the AND gate1023 and produce a negative output known as G whenever all three stagesare in the zero state, or stated in equation form: lzazGo. This negativeG0 signal is combined in AND gate 1029 with the signal to producea'negative potential output which is differentiated in diiferentiator1031 to produce a negative set pulse S utilized to set the butterstorage 33 of FIG. 6. This negative G0 signal is combined with the L5Signal in AND gate 1036 to produce the negative reset pulse, R, utilizedto reset the buffer memory 33 of FIG. 6. This negative G0 signal is alsoapplied to NOT gate 1037 to produce a positive output 'GTO whichcontrols the carry pulse butter storage and transfer circuit 19 of FIG.6.

This @o signal from NOT gate 1037 is applied to OR gate 1030. The otherinput of OR gate 103s is the combination of F1 or F2 from flip-flops1017 and 1018 through OR gate 1039. The output of OR gate 1033 isamplified in amplifier 1041 and passed through the OR gate 1047 toproduce the Cm signal to control the drive motor for the chart paper ofthe printer.

This signal from OR gate 1038 is passed through the OR gate 1016 to forma second input to the AND gate .1013. The rst input to AND gate 1013,mentioned hereinbefore, is DLO. If DLO is in the one condition and thesignal from OR gate 1038 is in the one condition, then the AND gate 1013passes the signal M from the hip-flop 1007 to the complement input ofthe flip-flop 1017.

If the tape reproducer is playing back, and data is present to beprinted out, the signals so indicating are combined in the AND gate 1014and passed through the OR circuit 1016 to the input of the AND circuit1013. Thus a data present signal which occurs while the tape reproduceris playing back at any time that the signal DLO is in the one condition,is suificient to connect the M output of flip-flop 1007 to thecomplement input of the flip-hop 1017 through the AND gate 1013.

The M andthe signals of flip-dop 1007 are differentiated indifterentiators 1042 and 1043, respectively. The output of thedifferentiators passes through OR gate 1044 and NOT gate 1045 to becombined in AND gate 1046 with the @o signal from NOT gate 1037 and theF14-.F2 signal from OR gate 1039. The output Pn of the AND gate 1046controls the gating of the printing :styli of printer 42 of FIGS. 8 and9.

The differentiator 1048 differentiates the zero output of dip-flop 1021,the G1 output, when this dip-lop changes state from the one to the zerocondition, producing a `negative pulse which is applied to OR gate 1009.The

second input of AND gate 1011 is applied by wire 1049 from the G0 outputof AND gate 1020.

OPERATION -indicative of the occurrence of an event recorded on thetape.

The tape transport output and the data ant1c1pat1on pulse are applied tothe sequencer of FIG. and the the output of the OR timing pulses areapplied to the counting circuit of FIG. 6. If the time pulses occurevery second they are applied to the seconds-units counter 15 and theseconds-tens counter 16. If the pulses beat one pulse per minute ofrecording time, the pulse is applied through input 23, FIG. 6, to theminutes-units counter. The time pulses are applied to a series cascadedcounting chain which counts the seconds (if applicable), minutes, hours,and days in the seconds-units counter 15, seconds-tens counter 16, andthe minutes-units counter 17 of FIG. 6. Through the carry pulse buffercircuit 19 of FIG. 6 the minutesunits counter is connected to theminutes-tens counter 18 of FIG. 7. This counter in sequence is connectedto the hours-units counter 21, the hours-tens counter 22, the daysunitscounter 23, and the days-tens counter 24. This counting chain counts thetiming pulses coming in the binary notation.

Upon the appearance of data recorded on the magnetic tape, themonostable multivibrator 1012, FIG. 10, is set to the quasi-stable stateby means of the signal arriving through the OR gate 1009 and thedifferentiator 1008. This causes the monostable multivibrator output DLOto go to the positive, or zero condition. If a signal confirming thatthe tape transport is running is present when the data anticipationsignal appears, a binary one appears at the output of the AND gate 1014and consequently at gate 1016 and the input of AND gate 1013.

After a preset time interval suficient to allow the paper chart motor tobuild up speed, the internal circuitry o the monostable multivibratorcauses it to return to its stable state. This causes its output DLO togo to the one condition. AND gate 1013 then has binary ones at two ofits three inputs, and its output is equal to the signal M which cornesfrom the flip-flop 1007. The signal M passes through the AND gate 1013to the input of the five-stage counting chain consisting of ilipdlops1017- 1021. This counter controls the sequence, that is, the steps takenby the printer in printing out the contents of the time unit countingchain in Arabic numeral notation.

FIG. 1l shows the voltage waveforms generated by the sequencer duringcontinuous cycling. It is assumed that the magnetic tape transport isoperating and that the data anticipation signal generated by the tapereproducer is continuously present. Referring to FIG. ll, at the top thecontents of the five-stage series cascaded binary counter of FIG. l0,comprising flip-flops 1017-1021, are shown. This counter is capable ofcounting thirty-two steps, 0 through 3l. Directly below this counter isshown the state of the oscillator impulse M which drives the counter asdescribed hereinbefore. Upon receipt of the data anticipation signal,monostable multivibrator 1012 is triggered. After a present timeinterval it decays tov a negative voltage to allow the counter to countthe x2 pulses. At the change from the step 0 to step l the C,m pulsegoes 'from 0 to 20 volts to maintain the ,movement of the chart paperand printer 42, FIG. 9 in the event of a cessation of the dataanticipation signal.

As shown in FIG. ll, during the first half of the third step a negativereset pulse is applied to the buffer memory 33, FlG. 6. In FTG. l1during the change between steps 3 and 4 a set pulse S is applied to thebuffer memory 33, FIG. 6, to transfer the contents of the minutes-'unitscounter 17 to the buffer memory 33. The reason why a set pulse appearsat this particular time requires further explanation. Because of aninherent time delay in the operation of a flip-flop, the sequencer doesnot go directly from the state lzaFlFZM to the state lzGglFg-. It passesrapidly through the intermediate states and lzGslFz/ respectively assuccessive flip-flops operate. Thus there is a brief time intervalbetween the time M goes from one to zero and the time G0 goes from ,anddays-counters to be printed in sequence.

one to zero. During this brief time interval, the function GOI is in thenegative, or oneY state. The set pulse between steps '3 and 4 resultsfrom diiferentiation of the leading edge of this negative pulse of thefunction GOM. y

S pulses previous to this time perform no useful function, and aregenerated simply because their inhibition would require unnecessaryadditional circuitry.

Simultaneous Withthe last set pulse S, FIG. 11, the 7Go signal goes froma positive to a negative voltage to connect the minutes-units counter17, FIG. 6, to the set input of the flip-flop 652 of the carry pulsebutter circuit 19. At the same point -of time in FIG. 1l, the G0 signalgoes from negative to positive to prevent further reset and set pulsesfrom passing through AND gates 1036 and 1029, respectively, FIG. 10; Theoutput of the NOT gate 1037 changes from a positive to a negativevoltage and passes through OR gate 1038 to continue the chart VCm signalthrough amplifier 1041 and to continue the X2 pulses through AND gate1013.

Referring to FIG. ll at the initiation of step 5, the l),n signalchanges from a positive to a negative voltage as soon as the conditionsrequired by AND gate 1046 are lsatisiied, the conditions being thatthere be an F1 or an F2 signal, that G6 bea negative voltage, and thatthe output of NOT circuit 1045 be negative. The Pn signals are producedby AND gate 1046, FIG. 10, and areapplied to the inhibited amplifiers841-843 of FIG. 8 and AND gate 906 of FIG. 9. The Pn signals applied toinhibited amplifiers 841-843 allow the P1-P3 signals to pass through andbe amplified and applied to AND gates V90o-921, FIG. 9. Referring againto FIG. 1l, during the steps 5, 6, andthe first half of 7, the L1-L9signals are changed from a positive to a negative voltage toysequentially enable the various channels of the printer through the ANDgates 906-921. This causes line 1 (FIG. 2) of each of the numerals inthe minutes, hours,

Referring again to FIG. 1l, during step eight no printing occurs sincethe Pn signal inhibits the inhibit amplifiers 841-043 of FIG. 8.Starting with step 9 and continuing through the irst half of step ll,the sequence of Pn and L1-L5 signals is repeated to print the line 2 ofthe numerals, FIG. 2. This sequence continues through the tirst half -ofstep 31 so that each of the seven lines of the numerals of FIG. 2 areprinted.

With the exception of the days-tens counter, as was ex- I .plained inreference to FIG. 9, each channel, that is, the minutes-units,minutes-tens, hours-units, hours-tens, and the days-units is printed ata different time in a different channel on the chart paper 922 of FIG.9. The sequence of printing is line l of each one of these channels thenlline 2 and so on through line 7. The L1-L5 signals sample the contentsof the counter seven different times to utilize the binary bits storedthere to cause the printing by the electric styli 927, FIG. 9, to printthe numerals in ,Arabic notation.

Referring again to FIG. l1, at the end of step 31, the tive-stagecounter of FIG. 10, consisting ot liip-liops 1017- 1021, returns to thezero state. At this point the sequencer Yhas completed a cycle ofoperation and is about to start another cycle. yIt will be noted in FIG.11 that the G1 stage of the counter changes from the one to the zerostate which produces a negative step output. Referring `to FIG. 10, thezero output of flip-flop 1021, the G1 stage, 1s :applied toditferentiator 1048 to produce a negative -output pulse which passesthrough OR gate 1009 and is one input of the AND gate 1011.

Refening again to FIG. 11, it will be noted that the G1, G2 and G3stagesall at this time change from the one to the zero state. Thechanging of Hip-flops 1019-1021 to the zero state enables AND gate 1020to produce a nega-tive G0 signal, 'This G0 signal is supplied throughwire 1049 and is a second input to the AND gate 1011 Whlch produces anegative output. The negative output 20 from AND gate 1011 set-s themonostablernultivibrator 1012 to the quasi-stable `state so that itsoutput D is in .the positive, Vorfbinary zero'state. f Y 1 :Referring toFIG( l0, theV AND gate 1013 is no longer enabled so that the X2 pulsesare no longer produced and the counting chain is ended .after the end ofstep 311 of FIG. 1l. Y f

Since the G0 signal is now negative, the set and reset pulses are beingproduced by AND gates 1029 and 1036- and the NOT gate 1037 isproducing'a positive output ywhich does not pass through OR gate 1030.Since the F1 and F2 stages of flip-ops `10510 and 1017, respectively,are in a zero state, the other input to the OR gateV 1038 is .alsopositive, so that -no output is produced, which results ina cessation ofthe C111 signal through amplifier 10411. Also Ithe changing of theoutput of NOT gate 1037 trom the negative to the positive potentialproduces a positive *G0 signal which is applied tothe carry pulse buffercircuit `19, FIG. 6. This positive pulse connects the minutes-unitscounter 17 directly to the minutes-tens counter 10, FIG. 7, through theSchmitt trigger 051, FIG. 6. Y

Until the monostable multivibrator 1012, FIG. l0, re-A turns .to thestable state, the oscillator 1060 and nip-flop 1007 just produce the Mand impulses., Since the counting chain, consisting of liip-flops10117-1021, is not able t-o receive these impulses, the sequencer is inthe idle state or non-print-out condition.

lReferring to FIG. l0, it will be seen that duringthe presence of Vatape transport operationV signal, the data :anticipation signal, actingthrough AND gate 1014, FIG. l0 and OR gate 41047, causes the chart paperto begin movement before the printing. If the data anticipation signaldisappears before a row of numerals has been completely printed, the Cnlsignal, acting through OR circuit 10d-7, maintains the chart motionuntil the numerals have been completed Iand the sequencer counterreturns to Zero. 'Ihe chart movement While the output-DLO of themonostable multivibrator y1012 is in thevzero condition, causes a spaceto occur between rows of numerals.

nected eascaded counters for counting the various digits.

Each counter comprises one or more stages for counting the binary bitsindicative of the numeral counted.

Upon the occurrence of an external random event a pulse to the controlsequencer circuit of the printing recorder initiates `a cycle ofoperation known as the printout cycle. This print-out cycle includes thesteps of transferiing a portion of the contents of the counting chain toa buffer memory yand temporarily halting counting in another portionofthe counting chain. A temporary storage -unit replaces the haltedportion ot the count-ing chain to enable the timing pulses occurringduring the print-out sequence cycle Ito be counted in the countingchain.

The primary contents of the counting chain including the 4butter memoryand the halted portion of the counting chain is sequentially convertedor channelized to the corresponding Arabic digit.

In a parallel sequence, line-by-line printing operation, the binary bitsrepresentative of a vdigit stored in the various .counters are gated ina time sequence to a moving chart paper. Through the channelizingcircuitry and the `gating circuitry the voltage from the Variouscounters is plain the nature of the invention, may .be vmade by those 2l`skilled in the art within the principles .and scope of the invention asexpressed in the `appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A recorder for electrically printing the occurrence of a random pulseevent comprising in combination,

(1) a series-connected cascaded counting chain for counting digits bybinary bits having an input for receiving a serial input pulse sequenceapplied to the input of said counting chain wherein each pulse suppliedis indicative of an event and having a plurality of outputs,

(2) a plurality of parallel readout means connected to the outputs ofsaid counting chain,

(3) channelizer means connected to said readout means for channelizingthe binary bits stored by said counting chain to corresponding outputstages representative of segments of an Arabic digit,

(4) gating means connected to the output stages of said channelizermeans for gating to a plurality of outputs in a time-based sequencepredetermined stages f of the said channelizer means,

(5) and a printing means connected to the outputs of said gating meansfor electrically printing on a chart in spaced relationship the Arabicdigit representative of the binary digit stored in said counting chain.

2. Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising,

(l) control circuit means having a predetermined sequence of functionsfor controlling the printing, utilizing the electrical potential of thebinary cascaded counting chain of the Arabic digit including;

(a) enabling means connected to said gating means for generating a timebased sequence of output pulses for selectively energizing predeterminedportions of said gating means in a fixed order,

(b) signal means connected to said printing means for controllingmovement of the chart paper to produce spaced relationship of theprinting on the chart,

(2) and chart movement means within said printing means connected tosaid signal means for moving the chart in response to a signal from saidsignal means.

3. Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said signal means includescircuit means connected between said enabling means and said signalmeans for initiating a signal before and continuing during the time basesequence of output pulses of said enabling means thereby providing aspace between the printed digits and preventing a hiatus in the printeddigit.

4. Apparatus .as recited in claim 3 wherein said control circuit meansfurther includes initiating means connected to said enabling means forstarting a generation of the sequence of output pulses of said enablingmeans upon the receipt of an external signal to said initiating meansindicating the occurrence of a random event.

5. Apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said printing means includesa plurality of Styli connected to the outputs of said gating means incontact with the chart paper for electrically printing a dot in responseto an electrical pulse from said counting chain.

6. A recorder for printing the time of occurrence of a random eventcomprising, in combination,

(l) a series connected cascaded counting chain havme,

(a) a plurality of counters connected in a series cascaded countingchain for counting digits in binary notation,

(b) means for applying serial input pulse chain to the first counter inthe chain of said counters wherein each applied pulse is indicative of apredetermined time period,

(c) a plurality of parallel readout means connected to `a portion ofsaid bistable counters,

(2) a carry pulse buffer storge and transfer circuit serially connectedbetween two of said plurality of bistable counters having an inputterminal connected 2 2 to the serial output terminal of one of saidcounters and `an output terminal connected to the serial input terminalof another of said counters including,

(a) a iirst mode of operation having transfer means for immediatelytransferring pulses received on the input terminal to the outputterrninal,

(b) a second mode of operation having delay means for delaying pulsesreceived on the input terminal for a period of time before transferringthe received pulses to the output terminal,

(c) switching means connected to said transfer means and said delaymeans for selectively engaging one of said two modes of operation,

(3) chanuelizer means connected to said readout means for channelizingthe binary bits stored by said counting chain to corresponding stagesrepresentative of segments of an Arabic digit,

(4) gating means connected to said channelizer means for gating to aplurality of outputs in a time based sequence predetermined stages ofsaid channelizer means,

(5) and printing means connected to the outputs of said gating means forprinting on a chart in spaced relationship the Arabic digitrepresentative of the binary :digits stored in said bistable counter.

7. Apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein each of said bistablecounters of said cascaded counting chain comprises a plurality ofbistable stages, series connected in a cascaded chain for counting abinary bit and each stage having an output terminal connected to saidchannelizer means.

8. Apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein said plurality of bistablecounters comprises,

(l) a minutes-units scale of ten counter having an input connected tosaid means for receiving a serial input pulse chain and an outputconnected to said input terminal of said carry pulse buffer storage andtransfer circuit,

(2) a minutes-tens scale of siX counter having an input connected to theoutput terminal of said carry pulse buffer storage and transfer circuitand an output terminal.

(3) an hours-units `and tens scale of 24 counter having an inputterminal connected to the output of said minutes-tens scale of sixcounter and an output terminal,

(4) and a days-units scale of ten counter having an input connected tothe output of said hours-units and tens scale of 24 counter.

9. Apparatus as recited in claim 8 further comprising a buffer memoryconnected to the outputs of said minutesunits counter for receiving andstoring the contents of said minutes-units counter while said carrypulse buffer storage and transfer circuit is in the second mode ofoperation and having a plurality of outputs connected to saidchannelizer means.

litt. Apparatus as recited in claim S further comprising,

(l) a seconds scale of sixty counter having an output connected to saidminutes-units counter and having an input connected to said means forreceiving a serial input pulse,

(2) and switch means connected to said means for receiving a serialinput pulse to selectively direct the input pulses to one of saidcounters comprising minutes-units counter and said seconds scale ofsixty counter.

l1. Apparatus as recited in claim 7 wherein said channelizer meanscomprises a plurality of gates having inputs connected to the outputterminals of the stages of said bistable counter for combining thebinary outputs of said counters in a predetermined order indicative ofsegments of the Arabic digit as printed to produce an Output for saidgating means upon the concurrence of the necessary input conditions.

12. Apparatus as recited in claim 7 further comprising control circuitmeans having a predetermined sequence of output pulses for controllingthe printing of the Arabic digit utilizing the electrical potential ofthe binary cascaded counting chain including,

(l) enabling means connected to said gating means for internallygenerating a time based sequence of output pulses for selectivelyenergizing predetermined portions'of said gating Vmeans in a fixedorder,

(2) signal means connected to said printing means for controllingmovement of the chart-paper to produce the spaced relationship of theprinting on' the chart,

,. (3) and chart movement means within said printing means connected tosaid signal means for moving the chart in response to a signal from saidsignal means.

13. Apparatus as recited in claim l2 wherein said signal means includescircuit means connected between said enabling meansY and said signalmeans for initiating a continuous signal on said signal means before andcontinuing during the time based sequence of output pulses of saidenabling means thereby providing a space between the printed digits andpreventingV a hiatus in the printed digit. A

14. Apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said control ci-rcuit meansfurther includes initiating means connected to said enabling means forstarting the generation of the sequence of output pulses of saidenabling means ,upon the receipt of an external signal to saidinitiating means indicating the occurrence of a random event.

15. Apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein said printing meansincludes a plurality of styli connected to the outputs of said gatingmeans in contact with the chart paper for electrically printing a dot inresponse to an electrical pulse from said bistable stages.

16.'A counting chain control system having a carry' pulse butter storageand transfer circuit comprising,

(l) a transfer circuit for immediately transferring pulses received onan input pulse terminal to an output terminal including,

(a) a rst diode connected between said input and said output terminalsfor transferring pulses received on said input terminal to said outputterminal when said first diode is in a conductive state,

'Effi (b) and rst control means connected to said iirst diode forcontrolling the conduction or nonconduction of said iirst diode inresponse to a Y first and a second pulse respectively, applied to saidrst control means, (2) a delay'means for delaying pulses received onsaid input terminal for a period of time before transferring thereceived pulses to said output terminal including',

(a) a storage means for storing received pulses having an outputconnected to said output terminal and set and reset terminals',`

(b) a second diode connected between said input terminal and the setterminal for transferring pulses received on said input terminal to saidset terminal when said second diode is in a conductive state, p

(c) second control means connected to said second diode for controllingthe nonconduction or conduction of said second diode in response to theiirst and second pulses respectively, applied to said second controlmeans,

(d) pulse means connected to the reset terminal of said storage meansfor applying reset pulse to the reset terminal in response to thechanging of the second pulse to the rst pulse to transter the storedpulse from said storage means to said output terminal.

(3) a means connected to said iirst'control means, said second controlmeans, and said pulse means for applying the iirst and second pulse tothe last three named means.

References Cited bythe Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS LEYLAND M. MARTIN,Primary Examiner.

LEO SMILOW, Examiner.

1. A RECORDER FOR ELECTRICALLY PRINTING THE OCCURENCE OF A RANDOM PULSEEVENT COMPRISING IN COMBINATION. (1) A SERIES-CONNECTED CASCADEDCOUNTING CHAIN FOR COUNTING DIGITS BY BINARY BITS HAVING AN INPUT FORRECEIVING A SERIAL INPUT PULSE SEQUENCE APPLIED TO THE INPUT OF SAIDCOUNTING CHAIFN WHEREIN EACH PULSE SUPPLIED IS INDICATIVE OF AN EVENTAND HAVING A PLURALITY OF OUTPUTS, (2) A PLURALITY OF PARALLEL READOUTMEANS CONNECTED TO THE OUTPUTS OF SAID COUNTING CHAIN, (3) CHANNELIZERMEANS CONNECTED TO SAID READOUT MEANS FOR CHANNELIZING THE BINARY BITSSTORED BY SAID COUNTING CHAIN TO CORRESPONDING OUTPUT STAGESREPRESENTATIVE OF SEGMENTS OF AN ARABIC DIGIT,